Asian American Theatre Summary
Although Asian American Theatre has been circulating for more than a century, the social and cultural aspects of their theatre have kept them excluded from mainstream theatre and has stunted their growth. Traditional operas, puppet shows, and acrobatic displays crossed over from China around the 1850's. Although baffling, it was welcomed by westerners. In the 1970's, people turned anti-Chinese during the economically depressed times. In order to stem immigration, the Asian Exclusion Act was passed. Racial violence drove away many Asians to other regions. Many factors kept Asians away from theatre, such as differences between Western and Asian drama, language barriers, and different morals about show business. However, as they grow in ranking, they refuse to be labeled silent or invisible as a minority group. They do so by participating in popular culture. While the majority look down on them, Asian American theatre lives on strong and they remain confident in their ability to change others perception on Asian American theatre.
Although Asian American Theatre has been circulating for more than a century, the social and cultural aspects of their theatre have kept them excluded from mainstream theatre and has stunted their growth. Traditional operas, puppet shows, and acrobatic displays crossed over from China around the 1850's. Although baffling, it was welcomed by westerners. In the 1970's, people turned anti-Chinese during the economically depressed times. In order to stem immigration, the Asian Exclusion Act was passed. Racial violence drove away many Asians to other regions. Many factors kept Asians away from theatre, such as differences between Western and Asian drama, language barriers, and different morals about show business. However, as they grow in ranking, they refuse to be labeled silent or invisible as a minority group. They do so by participating in popular culture. While the majority look down on them, Asian American theatre lives on strong and they remain confident in their ability to change others perception on Asian American theatre.